MARGAO: Most were shocked, stunned and saddened. A lot found it difficult to digest the news, while many were heartbroken and shattered on the demise of the former cricket maestro, veteran member and Past President of Margao Cricket Club (MCC) and a legendary figure in Goan cricket – Dinesh Mukund Trikannad.
Dinesh – the starry-eyed, sharp jawline, handsome boy who became the king of leg-spin and googlies during his era, is remembered as an irreplaceable connoisseur of the game of cricket.
The 83-year-old legend, passed away on July 12, 2023. In cricketing terms to say, 83 – NOT OUT! Because he will forever live in the hearts of many that adored and looked up to him as an inspiration.
He was instrumental in developing the game of cricket in Goa. His repertoire of magic on the field as a fine bowler and in life itself will never be forgotten.
Dinesh was larger than life. He lived more in his life than most people would live in their twenties. He was so vivacious, so full of life. There seemed to be never a dull moment around him, his smartness, intellect…Oh man! What an aura he had.
No words can capture his love for the game of cricket. Dinesh, literally was a devotee of the game. Like he’d say, ‘my first love is cricket!’. One could ask him anything and everything about the game and he would answer it with a broad smile on his face. He never seized to surprise many, with his correct answers, when asked to name the winners of any year under various categories in Test match, one-day, 20-20, World-Cup. That’s precisely why I’d call him walking-talking encyclopaedia of cricket.
Dinesh was coached by the famous yesteryear’s cricketer, A.G. Ram Singh and from there on his cricketing journey commenced. Dinesh was a fine leg-spin bowler, that baffled batsmen like Chauhan and Kanitkar. Unfortunately, he could not make it to the Karnataka Ranji team as the team was packed with fantastic bowlers like B S Chandrashekhar and E A S Prasanna. He played with and against many national and international players during his time.
The champion was also a national level table tennis player and an athlete. He came to Goa in 1966. While performing his duties as a geologist, he also took keen interest in company’s cricket team – Timblo Sports Club and won titles as the captain.
Dinesh’s exemplary performance attracted the attention of the then Chief Minister, Dayanand Bandodkar who persuaded him not to leave Goa and asked to play for Panjim Gymkhana.
During April 1969 the Bangalore Occasional came down to Goa and played with the Goa XI, and the Goa Champions in Panjim. Dinesh captained Goa XI. The opponent’s team, Bangalore Occasional comprised players from the victorious team India, Dilip Sardesai, Ashok Mankad, Chetan Chouhan, Chandu Borde to name a few. Dinesh’s haul of 6 wickets for 47 included Dilip Sardesai, Solkar and Chetan Chouhan.
Dinesh captained the Karnataka University team in the West Zone inter-university tournament in 1963-64 and finished as runners-up only losing to Bombay which boasted of Ranji players like Sudhir Naik and Ashok Mankad who went on to represent India in 22 Test matches.
From 1968-69 to 1973-74, his club won the Goa Cricket Association Championship under Dinesh.
Dinesh was the Chairman of the GCA Selection Committee of Goa Ranji – 1991 to 1994, GCA Secretary1972-73, president and vice-President of Margao Cricket Club.
Dinesh organised an exhibition match against the touring Nicky Oppenheimer’s XI from South Africa and sponsored the Dinesh Trikannad Childrens Park in Margao Cricket Club premises which was inaugurated by the former India cricket team captain, Nariman Contractor
Dinesh will fondly be remembered as a kind, compassionate human being with a heart of gold, an ardent cricketer, an excellent businessman, an avid traveller and a passionate foodie that could provide recommendations on different cuisines of the world along with the best restaurants. This was Dinesh, “leading with infectious energy, always giving and that beaming smile. He was a person who made everybody feel very special. Kids loved him and he loved kids too.”
All I would say is, “well played champion! On the cricket field and in the game of life you emerged victorious inspiring many.”
Rest in eternal peace, champ. Enjoy telling your cricket tales, to the new friends in heaven you make. There’ll never again be anyone like you! Adieus.
